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Inspection on 02/11/06 for Avondale Lodge

Also see our care home review for Avondale Lodge for more information

This inspection was carried out on 2nd November 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

All residents said they liked living at the home and felt well supported by the staff team. One resident said, " I have lived at the home for over four years and I am very happy. I make my own decisions about what I want to do each day and I can do anything I want within reason. I have no complaints about my care". All six residents said they are well treated by the staff team who listen and act on what they say. The homes assessment procedures were very thorough and care plans had been structured to ensure staff recognise the diverse needs of residents. Observation of practice and discussion with staff members confirmed the staff team had been provided with appropriate training to assist them in understanding and meeting the needs of residents with specific mental healthcare problems. One Social care Professional said, " The staff who work at the home have been there for some time and are very dedicated and have a good knowledge base of the residents needs. There is always a senior member of staff on duty to speak with and I am very satisfied with the overall care being provided for the resident I placed at the home".

What has improved since the last inspection?

The homes recruitment procedures have been reviewed to ensure records show clearly that the home has obtained a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosure and references for staff members before they commenced employment at the home. The senior staff member on duty had recently achieved a nationally recognised care qualification. This will ensure residents are being supported by a qualified and competent staff member.

What the care home could do better:

Furnishings in the lounge and residents bedrooms are showing signs of age and if replaced would improve the overall appearance of the home. The home could do more to stimulate residents and encourage them to participate in activities. One Social Care Professional said, " I feel that occasionally there should be more than one person on duty to enable the staff to go out with the residents or provide a higher level of interaction". This concern was raised by Social Care Professionals during the last inspection and should be given some consideration by the owner of the home. 50% of the staff team should achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) to ensure residents are being supported by a qualified and competent staff team.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Avondale Lodge 419 Central Drive Blackpool Lancashire FY1 6LE Lead Inspector Mr Wesley Cornwell Unannounced Inspection 2nd November 2006 09:00 Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Avondale Lodge Address 419 Central Drive Blackpool Lancashire FY1 6LE 01253 628793 Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Pro-Care Disperse Housing Ltd Mrs Jacqueline Lesley Berry Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Mental disorder, excluding learning disability or registration, with number dementia (6) of places Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The service should employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The home is registered for a maximum of 6 service users with a Mental Disorder, excluding learning disability or Dementia (MD). 17th October 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Avondale Lodge is a care home registered for 6 young adults with mental health problems aged 18 to 65 years. The home is situated in the central area of Blackpool close to the town centre. The accommodation provides 6 single rooms, which are located on the first and second floor. Toilet and bathing facilities are also located on the first floor. There is no lift available at this home. The home has a Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide providing information about the care provided, the qualifications and experience of the owners and staff and the services residents can expect if they choose to live at the home. A copy of the Service User Guide and most recent inspection report is issued to all prospective residents and their relatives/representatives to help them make an informed choice whether to move into the home. The range of fees at the home are £270.96 to £274.00 covering all aspects of care, food and accommodation. The manager provided this information on the 2nd November 2006. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced site visit was undertaken as part of the homes Key Inspection. The site visit commenced at 9.00am and took place over 2 hours. The Inspector spoke to one staff member, one resident, and a member of the management team. Comment cards were completed by six residents and one Social Care Professional providing their views about the home prior to the inspection. Staff, care, maintenance and financial records were also examined. A full tour of the premises was undertaken with the senior member of staff on duty. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The homes recruitment procedures have been reviewed to ensure records show clearly that the home has obtained a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 disclosure and references for staff members before they commenced employment at the home. The senior staff member on duty had recently achieved a nationally recognised care qualification. This will ensure residents are being supported by a qualified and competent staff member. What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The admission and assessment procedures were clear to ensure the care needs of residents are met. EVIDENCE: The care plan records of two residents had full assessment information including the religious/cultural and relationship needs of the resident. Staff members confirmed they had access to this information and could describe in detail the care needs of the resident. Staff responsible for the preparation of meals said they were informed about residents who had special dietary needs and these are always accommodated. One resident spoken to confirmed they were happy their needs were being met by the home. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Promotion of residents health, personal and social care is taken seriously and closely monitored to ensure they are met. Risk assessment strategies are in place to enable residents to undertake responsible risks. EVIDENCE: The daily records of two residents clearly described the level of support and assistance being provided by the home with decision-making. One resident spoken to said the home was supportive in encouraging them to live independently with the knowledge that staff members are available to provide assistance if this is required. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Entries made on care plans showed good communication between the home and health and social care professionals with advice being sought from appropriate professionals whenever potential problems had been identified. Care plans clearly described the level of support and assistance being provided to residents with their decision-making. All six residents living at the home said they always make their own decisions about what they want to do each day. Residents spoken to said they were consulted by the manager and staff members about the day-to-day running of the home. Regular meetings are held at the home to consult residents about upcoming events to enable them to have their say about the service provided by the home. One resident said, “I like living at the home. The staff are great and listen to what we have to say”. Discussion with the manager and observation of care plan records confirmed the home has clear risk assessment management strategies in place for dealing with potential risks to residents. The home has a good record of dealing promptly with any unexplained absences of residents. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15,16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff at the home encourage and support residents to undertake a range of appropriate community based activities. Visiting arrangements at the home are informal and relatives of the residents are encouraged to maintain contact ensuring personal relationships are maintained. Routines within the home are flexible and are arranged to ensure the residents rights are respected. Meals are well managed and provide daily variation for people living in the home. EVIDENCE: The home encourages residents to pursue activities they engaged in prior to their admission to the home. One resident said, “ I really like living at the Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 home and feel well supported by the staff team. I can do whatever I want within reason”. Residents said they were happy with arrangements in place for receiving their visitors and were encouraged by the manager of the home to maintain contact with their family and friends. One resident said, “ My visitors are always made welcome and can visit me whenever they wish”. Health and Social care professionals said they were able to see residents in the privacy of their own room ensuring conversations with residents remained confidential. One resident said they were happy with the routines within the home and these were being arranged around their individual and collective needs. The resident said they were provided with the choice of spending time on their own or in the lounge areas and the manager and staff respected their privacy. Residents were observed throughout the visit having unrestricted access to all areas of the home. Residents spoken to said the manager consults them each week about the homes menu. Food is purchased for the week and then residents can choose daily what they would like to eat. Residents spoken to confirmed they had access to the kitchen to prepare snacks and drinks and are also involved in the preparation of meals. Residents with special dietary needs said these were being met. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Promotion of health is taken seriously and personal support is provided in a flexible and sensitive manner. EVIDENCE: Individual records are kept for each resident with a plan of care setting out in detail the action that needed to be taken by care staff to ensure all aspects of health, personal and social care needs of the residents were met. Significant events had been recorded and daily entries made setting out the care given. The care plan records confirmed the health of residents was being monitored by the staff team and the action that was being taken once potential complications and problems had been identified. One social care professional said, “ The staff at the home are very good at notifying me of any significant events that effect the well-being of my client”. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Entries on care plans confirmed staff communicate clearly and work in partnership with health and social care professionals. Healthcare and social care professionals said the manager and staff at the home demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of residents and they were satisfied with the overall care being provided. Medication practices observed were safe and good records had been maintained. The staff members responsible for the administration of medicines had received training to ensure they had basic knowledge of how medicines are used and how to recognise and deal with problems in use. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Arrangements for complaints are handled well and taken seriously ensuring people feel listened to. Procedures for dealing with and reporting abuse were satisfactory ensuring people are adequately protected. EVIDENCE: The home has a detailed complaints procedure, which is made available to all residents on admission to the home. Residents spoken to were aware of how to make a complaint and felt these would be listened to and acted upon. At the time of this site visit no complaints had been received by the home or referred to the Commission for Social Care Inspection to investigate. The home has a procedure in place for dealing with allegations of abuse. The manager and staff spoken to had a good understanding of the procedures to be followed in the event of any allegations or suspicion of abuse or neglect. The staff member on duty informed the Inspector abusive practices and how to recognise these had been covered during their National Vocational Training (NVQ). Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24,27 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The lack of a planned maintenance and renewal programme for the redecoration and refurbishment of the home does not ensure residents live in a comfortable, homely environment. EVIDENCE: There has been some limited progress in upgrading the environmental standards in the home since the last inspection with new units being fitted in the kitchen. Carpets and furnishings in communal areas are old and worn and in need of replacing. Resident bedrooms are all in need of redecoration and refurbishment. The environment throughout the building would benefit from redecoration and refurbishment to ensure the continued comfort of residents. The manager of the home has reviewed and updated a risk assessment of the building since the last inspection to ensure the health and safety of residents Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 remains promoted and protected. The manager was reminded a copy of the risk assessment should be made available to the Commission. Toilet and bathing facilities are located on the first floor and are meeting the assessed needs of residents and offer sufficient personal privacy. It was observed during the visit the home was clean and hygienic. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,34 and 35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The deployment of staff throughout the day is sufficient to meet the needs of residents. The homes recruitment procedures are robust and these provide safeguards for the protection of residents. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. EVIDENCE: Staffing levels were sufficient for the number of residents living at the home. However, one social care professional expressed concern that the present staffing levels do not provide enough time for staff members to support residents to pursue their own interests and hobbies. This was an issue raised during the last inspection and the manager said every effort would be made to ensure this matter is addressed. There has been no new staff members employed since the last inspection. Discussion with the manager of the home confirmed the home has thorough recruitment procedures to ensure residents living at the home are protected. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Records show one staff member has achieved a National Care Qualifications. Discussion with staff and examination of records confirmed training had been provided for staff members to ensure they had a clear understanding of the specific care needs of residents accommodated at the home. Health and social care professionals said there the staff team demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of the residents and there is always a senior member of staff on duty to speak with whenever they visit the home. One social care professional who was involved with the placement of a resident at the home said they were satisfied with the support the resident was receiving and had no complaints about the service being provided. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well managed and run in the best interests of residents. The home has policies and procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of residents and staff are promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The manager of the home has many years experience managing care homes for younger adults with mental health problems and has achieved a relevant management qualification. Records seen confirmed the manager has access to training to ensure her knowledge and skills are updated and the home continues to be well run and for the benefit of residents. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Residents spoken to were very positive in their comments about the manager who was described as being friendly, approachable, very helpful and professional. Quality assurance systems are in place to gather the views of residents and keep them informed about events being organised by the home. Inspection of maintenance records confirmed facilities and equipment was being maintained as required by health and safety legislation to provide a safe environment for residents and staff. Hot water temperatures throughout the home were checked and found to deliver water at a safe temperature in line with health and safety guidelines. Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard YA24 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should produce a programme for the routine maintenance of the fabric and decoration of the home. 50 of the care staff team should achieve NVQ qualifications The registered person should ensure the home has sufficient staff numbers to support residents to engage in appropriate activities. 2. 3 YA32 YA33 Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection North Lancashire Area Office 2nd Floor, Unit 1, Tustin Court Port Way Preston PR2 2YQ National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Avondale Lodge DS0000064034.V310889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!